There is a chemical (auxin) produced primarily in the tips (apical meristems) of every branch, including the trunk. One of that chemical's jobs is to suppress lateral growth (side branching) along the branch. If that tip is damaged severely enough or removed, the downward flow of the chemical no longer suppresses lateral growth for at least 1 but more often several nodes below the apex. So, if the apical meristem is still functional to the degree it's still producing auxin, it will continue to grow. If it is not functional or has been removed, new branches will form in the axils (crotches) of leaves immediately below the branch tip. Below, is a cutting of Ficus microcarpa, a close relative of your plant. Note the stub left after the apical meristem/ branch tip was removed. This eliminated the source and stopped the flow of the chemical that suppresses side branches, which forced activation of buds in both axils of the mature leaves.

I know the post is old, but the answer will still help others that come across it in a search.

Al